Companies House ID Verification for Directors: New 2025 Rules Explained
From 18 Nov 2025, UK company directors must verify identity with Companies House and get an 11-character code. Learn how to comply
Companies House to Introduce Mandatory ID Verification for All Directors from November 2025
From 18 November 2025, Companies House will begin rolling out a new identity verification (IDV) system for company directors. This significant change will affect millions of directors across the UK, with six to seven million individuals currently registered.
The reform is designed to improve corporate transparency and reduce fraud by ensuring only verified individuals can act as directors or persons with significant control (PSCs).
How the New ID Verification System Works
Start Date: 18 November 2025 marks the beginning of the system, not a fixed deadline.
Verification Requirement: Every company director will need to verify their identity.
One-Time Process: If you hold multiple directorships, you only need to verify once.
Unique Code: Once verified, each director will receive an 11-character personal code. This will be used to access Companies House services and confirm identity in future filings.
Companies House has confirmed that, in most cases, verification will take only a few minutes if the correct documents (such as a valid passport) are provided.
Deadlines and Filing Requirements
The timing of ID verification depends on the date of your company’s next confirmation statement after 18 November 2025. For some, the deadline could be as late as November 2026.
From 18 November 2025, all new directors will need to verify their identity before appointment or incorporation.
Existing directors must provide their personal verification code in their next confirmation statement.
Without a verified code, directors will not be able to:
Register appointments,
Make changes, or
Complete mandatory filings.
How to Verify Your Identity
Directors will have two main options:
Direct Verification via Companies House
Use the “Verify your identity for Companies House” service.
Requires a Gov.uk One Login (usable across all UK government services).
Verification can be done via:
Gov.uk app (photo ID upload and liveness check),
Answering security questions online, or
In-person verification at a participating Post Office.
Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
Accountants, solicitors, or other registered professionals can complete verification on your behalf.
This may be the preferred option if you already work with an accountant such as Barnett & Co Accountants, as we are able to guide you through the process.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
It will be a criminal offence to act as a director without being verified once the new rules come into effect.
Failure to verify may lead to penalties similar to late filing fines.
For context, failing to file accounts on time currently carries penalties of £150 to £750, depending on company size.
PSCs (persons with significant control) may also face sanctions if they fail to comply.
Why This Matters for Directors
This reform is part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA 2023), which aims to strengthen corporate governance in the UK. By enforcing identity verification, Companies House hopes to prevent fraudsters from hiding behind fake directorships.
For legitimate directors, the system offers reassurance that their details cannot be misused and helps maintain the integrity of the UK’s company register.
Key Takeaways
Start date: 18 November 2025.
Directors must verify once only, regardless of number of directorships.
11-character code issued upon verification.
Verification required before filing confirmation statements or new director appointments.
Options to verify: Directly through Companies House or via an ACSP (e.g., your accountant).
Penalties will apply for failure to comply.
Useful Links
At Barnett & Co Accountants, we will be supporting our clients throughout this transition. If you are a director and would like assistance with verifying your identity or ensuring compliance with the new requirements, please contact us at:
📞 0345 646 1516
📧 info@barnettandco.uk
